When I first heard this from a Japanese friend, I honestly couldn't believe it. It's 2026, and they still use seals?
But it's true. In Japan, you still can't sign a real estate contract or register a car without a Hanko (判子). No matter how convenient electronic signatures are, the Japanese government hasn't fully let go of this small stick. In an era where everything can be done with a smartphone, the idea of having to go to the office just to stamp a document might sound ridiculous, but in Japan, it's still a reality.
Why is that? It's quite interesting to know before you travel to Japan. It's not just a simple administrative tool, but a story deeply intertwined with the Japanese psyche and culture.
The Government Tried to Abolish It, But Failed
In 2020, the Japanese government actually declared the abolition of seals. Taro Kono, the Minister for Administrative Reform, officially announced that they would "eliminate seals from over 10,000 administrative procedures." One of the reasons people couldn't work from home during COVID was because they had to go to the office to stamp documents. The public's reaction was, "Finally!"
However, six years later, Hanko is still alive. While it's true that seals have disappeared from many administrative procedures, they still appear at crucial moments.
Real estate transactions, car registrations, opening bank accounts. For these important moments, Jitsuin (registered seal) and a certificate of seal impression are still required. The weight of it is different from a single click on a screen. The act of taking out one's personalized seal, pressing it into an ink pad, and stamping it on a document is, for Japanese people, a declaration of "I take responsibility for this decision." Many Japanese people are still unwilling to give up this sensory difference.
Furthermore, in companies, there's a unique culture called Ojigi-in (bowing seal). When stamping a document for approval, a subordinate will slightly tilt their seal towards their superior's seal. It's a way of showing respect. I was truly surprised when I first learned about this. A single seal can convey hierarchy and etiquette. It's a sensation that can never be replicated in a digital approval system. Hanko is not just an administrative tool, but a grammar of Japanese communication.
A 100-yen stamp and a 1-million-won stamp
You can buy ready-made seals at convenience stores or 100-yen shops. They're really cheap and simple. But did you know that there are artisans next to them who sell handmade seals for hundreds of thousands of yen? At first glance, they look like the same seal, but there's a huge world between the two.
Unforgeable Analog Security
Seals hand-carved by artisans have unique 0.1mm knife marks that are only visible under a microscope. No two are exactly alike. That's why they're considered "unforgeable analog security" among high-net-worth individuals. Digital signatures can be hacked, but a seal made by an artisan is almost impossible to replicate. Artisans actually use this as a marketing point.
Materials Have Also Completely Changed
In the past, they were made of wood or ivory, but nowadays, there are seals made of titanium or aerospace materials. Prices can range from hundreds of thousands of yen to well over 1 million yen. For younger generations, it's not just a seal, but a "one-of-a-kind custom good" that's sold. It's an era where people buy luxury seals instead of luxury wallets.
Ichikawamisato town in Yamanashi Prefecture is known as Japan's 'Hanko Village'. Artisans here even perform an annual ritual called seal memorial service. They respectfully burn old seals at a shrine. It's not just an object, but a recognition of it as a partner of the soul. Doesn't this one ritual alone show how special seals are in Japan?
Why It Feels Heavier Than a Single Click
Psychologically, this makes sense. People feel a stronger sense of responsibility from physical actions than from clicking on a screen. That momentary tension of inking a seal and stamping it on a document sends a signal to the brain that "this is real." This is why stamping a document feels heavier than signing a contract.
This is also why Japanese banks are rushing to digitize but still maintain the Ginko-in (bank seal) system. In an age of remote interaction, customers crave "tangible evidence," and banks prefer documents with seals to reduce legal risks. Hanko, in the end, is a psychological anchor that offsets the uncertainties of the digital age.
Furthermore, Japan's unique trust-based social structure also extends the lifespan of Hanko. The act of making eye contact, taking out a seal, and respectfully stamping it is a social ritual that marks the beginning of a transaction. The resistance to breaking this rhythm is much more deeply rooted than one might think.
How About Getting a Custom Seal?
Many people get a custom seal when they travel to Japan. Stores that carve your name in Kanji or Katakana are especially popular. It's a completely different experience from common souvenirs like keychains or magnets.
There are seal shops in Ginza, Tokyo, and Kyoto that are over 100 years old. The experience of sitting and watching an artisan carve your seal is special in itself. It's quite a strange feeling to see your name being carved stroke by stroke. Use Pglemaps' journey planning tool to include these shops in your travel itinerary. We don't just tell you the location, we also help you consider which font best suits your name.
Types of Japanese Seals — A Quick Guide for Travelers
- Jitsuin (Registered Seal) — An official seal registered with the local government. Used only for important matters like real estate contracts. You only have one for life. Losing it is a very serious matter.
- Ginko-in (Bank Seal) — Exclusively for bank accounts. Made separately from Jitsuin. It's common practice to keep them separate for security reasons. One of the things to definitely ask a Japanese friend about.
- Mitome-in (Everyday Seal) — For daily use, such as receiving packages. The most popular type for traveler souvenirs. It's affordable, and they'll carve your name right away.
10 Minutes at a Seal Shop, More Special Than You Think
No matter how fast digitalization progresses, it seems it will take a long time for seals to completely disappear in Japan. Perhaps they'll never disappear. Japan has a culture that values meaning more than efficiency. If you go to Japan, stop by a seal shop. The time you spend waiting for your name to be carved is the easiest way to understand Japanese culture firsthand. And that small seal will make you see Japan in a new light.
Travel Tip: Japanese seal shops often close earlier than expected. This is especially true in smaller cities. Some places close around 5 PM, so it's best to visit not too late. Also, you may need your passport to make a seal, so be sure to bring it!